Structural condition assessment and upgrades of FGD systems
- Sargent and Lundy, Chicago, IL (United States)
Since 1990, the Clean Air Act Amendment (CAAA) has mandated emissions control of fossil-fired power plants. Upgrading an existing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system has proven to be an effective means of reducing emissions to meet the CAAA requirements. It can also be a cost-effective means to reduce emissions beyond the established SO{sub 2} limits. Utilities will be able to capitalize on these situations and possibly generate revenue by trading SO{sub 2} credits. In addition to regulatory requirements, structural upgrades of an FGD system can lower operation and maintenance costs and reduce the risk of unit derates and unplanned outages. In today`s competitive power market, keeping a unit`s FGD system available and online is crucial as the earliest FGD installations approach their twentieth year of service. A structural condition assessment and upgrades program for an FGD island plays a leading role in meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements while achieving other utility goals. This paper draws from the authors` recent experiences to explore such a program and reveals the challenges it presents.
- OSTI ID:
- 94159
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950414--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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